During National Heritage Week (17-25 August 2024), communities across Ireland are invited to create events to celebrate and educate about their local heritage. This depends on voluntary efforts, as the only support provided is space on the National Heritage Week website. As in 2022 and 2023, Kilfenora Development community group members have arranged a varied and high-quality set of events, nearly all free of charge, for both the local community and visitors in North Clare to participate in. Full details of all events can be found on the National Heritage Week website.
On Monday 19 August there are two free workshops (10-11.30 & 12-13.30) at St Fachnan’s Cathedral that will be used to create a record of its historic graveyard, led by local archaeologist Edel Barry and Elaine Lynch, Field Monument Advisor for Co. Clare. Limited spaces are available, and participants must register with BurrenBeo (email [email protected]). You can also use this link to book. This project is organised with the permission of the Church of Ireland (Drumcliffe Union of Churches) and co-funded by the Heritage Council under the Community Grant Scheme 2024, in collaboration with the BurrenBeo Trust.
On Thursday 22 August (8pm in Kilfenora Hall; €5 or €3 concessions), Dick Cronin (former Clare Council Conservation Officer) will discuss the fantastic story of Maire Rua O’Brien – a remarkable figure in Irish history – with a particular focus on the various castles she was associated with (including Dysert, Dromoland, Leamaneh and Ballynagowan at Smithstown). Dick’s research has also been funded by the Heritage Council Community Grant Scheme 2024.
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The remaining events are free and at the Burren Visitor Centre.
Liam Irwin, recently Head of History at Limerick University, will talk on Saturday 24 August (14.00) about the remarkable achievements of Thomas Westropp (1860-1922), the primary source of archaeological information on counties Clare and Limerick – especially the Burren.
On Sunday 25 August (14.00), the leading North Clare walking guide Tony Kirby will talk about the Burren’s holy wells – including the well in Kilfenora – sharing the results of his extensive research and providing new insights into their history, geography, folklore and hydrogeology.
Also on Saturday 24 August (15.00), multiple award-winning musician Aisling Lyons will take us on a journey through the history of the harp – the 2000-year old instrument that is Ireland’s heraldic symbol – demonstrating its versatility through her own playing.
And from 17-12 August (11-12.00 daily), the Burren Visitor Centre is offering its Kilfenora walking tour for free (normally €10). Take a fascinating journey though the life and history of the smallest cathedral city anywhere – a farming community from Neolithic times, its Ecclesiastical development from AD 560 to now, its survival through times of conflict and famine to its revitalisation through trade, education and music. The tour includes entry to newly re-furbished exhibitions on the Burren and music in North Clare.
